Elephant Sanctuary

Once upon a time there was an elephant sanctuary.  Within it were baby elephants and grown up elephants, maimed elephants and whole elephants, sick elephants and healthy elephants.  And each elephant had an individual diet according to its individual needs.  The owner of the elephant sanctuary would go on long trips, searching for injured or needy elephants.  Before a particularly long trip, he left his employees with specific instructions about caring for and feeding each elephant. 

In the heat of the day, the employees trudged away.  Suddenly, one came to a halt.  “I have a better idea,” he declared. 

“Let’s feed these animals only in the morning.”  Another naysayer jumped in saying “or open the gates and let the creature find their own food.” 

“No,” said a third employee, “we should feed them as instructed.”

“Why?” Chorused the others.

“Why don’t we feed them all the same amount of food?”

“Better yet, why not dump the food in the open area, and let the elephants divvy it up on a first come first serve bases?”

“Survival of the fittest.”

And on the employees went.  They crafted a circle of hay bales and sat upon them to discuss the issues further.  For days they went on debating which method of feeding the animals would be the most efficient, and how they could save money for other luxuries.  On they continued until the owner returned and found all the elephants uncared for and dead.

This parable was inspired by Doctrine and Covenants 101:43-62.  I do not share it to suggest that we should not have or ask questions.  No.  The quotation to the right by President Uchtdorf clearly states otherwise.  We shouldn’t stop asking questions, but we must keep working.  The issue here is expressed clearly in verse 50, “And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.”  We won’t always understand.  There will always be elephants.  We shouldn’t pretend they don’t exist, rather, we should press forward in the work to which the Lord has called us, and as we put our shoulder to the wheel we can ask the questions.  Hopefully the answers we receive will deepen our understanding of Heavenly Father and his desires for us.

Blacks and the Priesthood Elephant

Preamble

 

As I began thinking about elephants, I remembered that I don’t like apologetics.  Specifically, I’m not a fan of trying to argue one into (or out of) belief.  This post has no intention of changing your mind.  I wrote it for myself.  I post it because I appreciate feedback, because perhaps someone else can enjoy it, and because I will come back here to read it again.  In the temple I had a picture in my mind, not of me defeating this elephant, but becoming comfortable in its presence, even embracing it.

Blacks and the Priesthood Elephant

I chose the blacks and the priesthood elephant because it seems to have fewer rabbit trails than some of my other elephants.  As I studied I came to realize how little I knew about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their position on race.  Many of my issues quickly became nonissues because the Church does not hold the horrible standpoint I had assumed it held.  While the blatant racism of the past cannot be ignored, the church’s move in renouncing not only racist practices, but also racist beliefs, is significant.   I choose not to hold the Church’s previous treatment of blacks against the Church because we learn line upon line, because they have completely forsaken their past ways, and because they now embrace all people equally.

While a few black members were given the priesthood in early days of the church, in 1852 Brigham Young announced that black men would no longer be ordained to the priesthood.  Subsequently, people of African descent were forbidden temple access.  However, at no time was anybody, because of race or colour of skin, denied membership in the Church.[1]  As I read the Old Testament I am quick to overlook Joshua’s misconstrued understanding of the relationship between the sun and the earth.[2]  I extend grace to Jesus who referred to the mustard seed as the smallest seed when it is not.[3]  In both of these instances I am happy to admit that limited scientific understanding and preconceived notions of the world mold the Bible to its day.  Jesus and Joshua spoke from their culture, to their culture.  The Church continues to reside within ever shifting cultures.  As society comes to know more the Church embrace the truth it learns, allowing new understanding to shape thought patterns.  The Church did not fall upon this earth in a perfected state.  Rather, it too must learn line upon line, precept upon precept.[4]  As it is with individuals, God will not reveal instruction to the Church if it is not ready to accept it or if for some other purpose God determines that now is not the time. 

Reading the address given by Brigham Young on February 5^th 1852 stirred within me anger and distrust towards the man.  His diction and metaphors dehumanized Africans and is unjustifiable.  When I say that he was a product of his times and upbringing, I do not excuse what he said.  It was wrong.  However, in as much as I plead for mercy when I accept untruths that saturate our society, I will offer that mercy to Brigham Young.  Racism was a societal sin for which Brigham Young deserves no more blame than those who taught him that blacks are inferior.  While I wish the church lead the way in the civil rights movement, it appears as if General Authorities of the church were dragging their feet.  However, they wanted change.  When, in 1978, new revelation finally arrived, the leaders and people of the Church were ready and accepted it.[5]  They embraced this revelation as “a new flood of intelligence and light on this particular subject, [that] erases all the darkness and all the views and all the thoughts of the past.” [6]  Before I move on I feel the need to address the pain, hurt and missed opportunities that resulted from the restrictions faced by blacks.  Because of these policies, missionaries seldom taught black individuals.  Therefore African missed out on the blessing of being part of the Church.  Those who did join likely felt inferior, recognized the blessings they could not receive, and never felt truly like they belonged.  I cannot begin to imagine or describe the harm done to the lives of individuals because of this teaching.  I wish I had the authority to apologize  But I do not.  I wish God had spoken sooner.  I will not pretend to know why he didn’t, but his love for Africans has not changed.  He has always loved them fully.  Thankfully the Church is a living, changing, growing organism that has come to embrace all people equally.

I once read and believed material which offered a reason as to why blacks could not have the priesthood.  It connected choices made in the premortal life to the colour of skin one was born with, but only until 1978.  While this information was presented by those who sought to mock the Church, I never questioned it because I never received any other explanation why those of African descent were refused priesthood.  I found the previous explanation aggravating because it justified past racism.  I was pleased to learn that while “Church leaders and members advanced many theories to explain the priesthood and temple restrictions, [n]one of these explanations is(sic) accepted today as the official doctrine of the Church.”[7]  I had been most bothered by the reason I was given as to why blacks could not have the priesthood, but in reality, “the reasons for these restrictions have not been revealed”[8] for this time.  We are encouraged to forsake previous explanations and forget “everything that I [Bruce R. McConkie] have said, or what President Brigham Young or President George Q. Cannon or whomsoever has said in days past that is contrary to the present revelation.” [9]  Because of this invitation I have not dwelt on past teachings.  Though previous explanations were given, I embrace a Church with modern day revelation, cling to the new revelation and bury past darkness in new light.

We are invited to look forward, to imagine a church full of people from all nations.  For Christ invites “all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.”[10]  You and I are literally siblings.  We are equal.  No skin colour, no nationality, no race, distinguishes us before God. [11]  We are his children, and racism is not acceptable.  I am glad that “[t]oday, the Church disavows the theories advanced in the past that black skin is a sign of divine disfavor or curse, or that it reflects unrighteous actions in a premortal life; that mixed-race marriages are a sin; or that blacks or people of any other race or ethnicity are inferior in any way to anyone else. Church leaders today unequivocally condemn all racism, past and present, in any form.”[12]  I don’t think I could be part of a racist Church.  I do not know how members before 1978, with black friends and family, held firm to their faith in the Church.  Perhaps they are like the Martin’s family, who despite being of African descent, joined the Church in 1972.  The Martins had found truth and could not deny it.[13]  The imperfections of the individuals and leaders of the Church does not make the Gospel any less true.  Perhaps the vague and lofty claim that the Church is true, claims only that the truth of the Gospel and priesthood power can be found within it.

In refusing to dwell on the past I have overlooked the possibility of a change in doctrine.  Determining if doctrine has changed requires a definition of doctrine; however, there are various definitions.  2 Nephi 31 spells out the doctrine of Christ.  In short: faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.  This has not changed.  The teaching, that what we did in the pre-mortal world determines our state is this world, a teaching that can be supported through scripture[14] is still upheld today.  While many, including Elder George F. Richards speculated that in the pre-mortal life some spirits were less valiant and thus given black bodies, he offers this only as a satisfying (to him) speculation.[15]  It is foolish to assume that we can understand why God assigns any particular body to any particular spirit.  I would think that his considerations are vast and the situations individual.  Each spirit assigned to a body of African descent was chosen for the individual experiences it would have and the opportunity to grow.  It is important to remember that many while many on this earth do not have the chance to hold the priesthood, to marry in the temple or be sealed to their families for all eternity, they are not denied exaltation.  This life is a time to gain a body, to learn and to grow, but it is not the only chance to hear the gospel or prepare for eternity.  As early as 1852 Brigham Young suggested that there would come a time when blacks would “have the privilege of all we have the privilege and more.” [16]  It was frequently understood that the ban on blacks in the priesthood would come to an end, if not in this life then in the next.  The end of this ban, therefore does not signify a change in doctrinal principles, but a long awaited, dare I say, fulfillment of prophecy. The change of practice is then less concerning than the forsaking of previously held explanations of why blacks were forbidden the priesthood and the teachings that Africans were an inferior race.  But, with the understanding that this Church exists within cultural contexts, and is not yet perfect, let us rejoice that new light has been given, that racism is shunned, and that saving ordinances can be preformed for Africans (and everyone else) who were unable to perform them in their lifetime.

I must remember that the Church is made up of imperfect people who learn individually and as a group, line upon line, precept upon percept. While harmful words and practices are part of our past, the Church renounces all past racism and extends the gospel invitation unto all.

 

Post Script

Elder Dallin H. Oaks suggests that in 1978 the leaders of the Church took a semi-proposal to the Lord, asking according to their desire, that all worthy men might receive the priesthood.[17]  The changes made regarding the place of blacks in the church have me hoping that the Church will one day rid itself of restriction regarding homosexual relationships.  When I compare these issues, I am saddened to think that Church members are not yet ready to accept gay couples into their congregations.  Many tell me that gay marriage is not God’s will and will never be accepted.  As I read quotes from before 1978, I recognize the similarities between what was said of race and what is said of homosexuality.  I hope for the day when the church leaders beg God to allow equality for gay marriages.  If it is not God’s will, let him plainly tell them how the gospel can still be a blessing to the lesbian couple with three kids.  However, I hope change is in God’s plan.  Furthermore, I hope change will be excitedly accepted by Church members who long to see the blessing of the Gospel extended to homosexual couples.

 

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[1] Race and the Priesthood, https://www.lds.org/topics/race-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng.

[2]Joshua 10:3.

[3]Mark 4:31.

[4] 2 Nephi 28:30.

[5] Doctrine and Covenants, Official Declaration 2.

[6] Bruce R. McConkie, “All Are Alike unto God,” CES Religious Educators Symposium Address, August 18, 1978. http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1570.

[7] Race and the Priesthood.

[8] Alan Cherry and Jessie L. Embry, “Blacks,” Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1992. http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Blacks

[9] McConkie, All Are Alike unto God.”

[10] 2 Nephi 26:33

[11] Howard W. Hunter, “All Are Alike Unto God,” February 04, 1979. http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=826.

[12] Race and the Priesthood.

[13] “Lesson 157: Official Declaration 2,” Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Seminary Teacher Manual, 2013 https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-seminary-teacher-manual-2014/section-7/lesson-157-official-declaration-2?lang=eng&query=blacks

[14]Abraham 3:23

[15]George F. Richards, “Conference Talk,” 1939, p. 59. http://scriptures.byu.edu/gc-historical/1939-A.pdf

[16]Brigham Young, 5 February 1852, https://dcms.lds.org/delivery/StreamGate?is_rtl=false&is_mobile=false&dps_dvs=1424125879151~670&dps_pid=FL4530991. When I read this quote in the context of the whole, I have a hard time believing he meant to say that. Perhaps he didn’t.

[17] “Elder Dallin H. Oaks’ Reaction to Priesthood Revelation,” (Salt Lake City, UT: July 20, 2007). http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/background-information/elder-dallin-h-oaks-reaction-to-priesthood-revelation.

WITOR

This is my WITOR (Who Is The One Researching).  As I seek to answer the elephants I want to first disclose my biases.  I will try to research objectively, but I am not objective.  I have a bias and this is it.

My experiences, beliefs and desires which shape my biases are vast and self-contradicting. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since February 2014, I have spurts of budding faith and stifling doubt.  After deciding to believe in God I joined the LDS Church because the God They spoke about seemed to be a good God, and also because of the exemplar lives of Mormons around me.  My conversion was not based upon feelings I had when reading the Book of Mormon.  Nevertheless, I have since felt that I received direction and understanding from the Spirit.  I use the word “felt” with skepticism.  I am not one to trust feelings.  Rather, I typically look to logic and the scientific method to satisfy epistemological questions.

My experiences prior to my LDS baptism have also shaped the way I approach research.  Four years of theological training at a local Bible College instilled within me a hermeneutical approach to scriptures.  As I read holy books I question the context in which they were written, the meaning it had for the people of its time, the use of words in their original language, the underlying principles and the significant for today. 

Throughout my life, I have attended with commitment many different denominations including (Listed in order from longest duration to shorted duration): Baptist (Canadian Baptists of Western Canada), Mennonite Brethren, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Roman Catholic, LDS, Plymouth Brethren, Christian Churches (Stone-Campbell Movement).  The list of churches I have visited is far longer. 

While I abandoned Christian thought to embrace agnosticism/atheism, I have never ventured far into understanding non-Judeo-Christian worldviews.  As well as completing Bible College and regular church attendance throughout most of my life, I spent four years working for an evangelically minded youth organization.  During this time I sought to lead Mormons out of their church and to who I deemed was the “true Christ.”  To strengthen my polemics, I studied anti-material and stacked up the Church’s flaws.  Meanwhile, I visited Utah and was inspired to write the Plan of Happiness, a story about a gay teenager and her struggle within the LDS church.

For a number of years I have advocated for the LGBT community, yet only recently have I come to acknowledge my own gayness.  While I believe I can be perfectly happy single, immersion in a community that constantly commends heterosexual marriage frustrates me.

I am an idealist. I imagine the world as I think it should be.  Let’s all just get along. I am a people pleaser to a fault.  I live with the constant temptation of saying what people want me to say, doing what they want me to do and lying rather than speaking offense. 



this is the small print

I want the LDS Church to be true. I love being in the temple and do not want to jeopardize my temple recommend.  As I consider serving a mission for the LDS Church, the stack of anti-material I once created come back to haunt me. Previously I held to truth as the highest transcendental, being of greater importance than goodness, success or virtue, than beauty, happiness or creativity.  I have since realized that my own happiness is far easier to judge than the veracity of a doctrine, let alone a church.  Nevertheless, truth matters.  I want to know if the LDS Church is true, not only true, but is it good?  Is it beautiful? 

My appreciation for the Church’s principles, prophets and procedures has been acquired through chosen blindness towards elephants.  Though I was aware of the Church's flaws (both real and perceived I’m sure), I joined without working through them.  I want to see these elephants, let them speak for themselves and accept the truth that they share.

 

“I have always had the satisfaction of seeing the truth triumph over error, and darkness give way before light.” *

*Letter from Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery, Sept. 24, 1834, Kirtland, Ohio, published in Evening and Morning Star, Sept. 1834, p. 192.

Elephants in the Room

“And they also had horses, and asses, and there were elephants and cureloms and cumoms; all of which were useful unto man, and more especially the elephants and cureloms and cumoms.”  Ether 9:19

There are a few topics that tend to go untalked about at LDS functions, problems, past or present to which I’d like answers.  These are issues that I once held as surplus evidence against the LDS Church.  Now I try to avoid them, but if they are the elephant, I am the room.  Every so often it wells up inside of me, pushing me to the brink of explosion.  Ignoring these problems works only for fleeting moments, and then, when the elephant is aggravated, any faith progression I thought I made during its dormancy crumbles.  Living with this internal elephant is terrifying.  I never know when someone with a feather will come along and prod one of its soft spots.  It has many soft spots, or perhaps there are many elephants.

Book of Mormon archaeological elephant

Book of Abraham elephant

Blacks and the priesthood elephant

Spiritually dictated control elephant

Changes in scripture elephant

Equality elephant

Patriarchal predominance elephant

Church history elephant

Gender stereotypes elephant

Perpetuation of harmful thought patterns elephant

Unverifiable epistemology elephant

The character of Joseph Smith elephant

Secrets and lies elephant

Obscure rules elephant

Requirement of a family elephant

Questionable and contradicting Scripture elephant

I am hardly acquainted with some of these elephants, changes in scripture for example.  Nevertheless, I am bothered that changes have been made to the “most true book.”  Perhaps fear keeps me from delving into past records.  I fear the evidence against the church will be overwhelming.  If the elephants are as I dread, anyone of them is strong enough to shatter my faith.  Their combined weight is crushing.  Petrified by the thought, I avoid thinking of the uncomfortable.

But there are elephants in the room, a whole stampede that cannot be contained, will not be ignored.  If I don’t act, I will be the ground upon which they trample.  They demand my address.

Elephants!  I tell no secret when I admit that you far outnumber me.  You are a legion, I am one.  So, I will face you one-by-one.  Choose a fighter!  I will not back down.  We shall wrestle until I prove you a fraud, your threat a mere mirage, or I ride out of this church victoriously upon your back. 

Let the battles begin!  (oh yeah…  I don’t like violence, so let’s do this nicely.  Conversation, open dialogue, no name calling.  Wherever this leads us, let’s be friends)